Barriers to School Attendance by children with Disabilities in Rwanda

In many countries, throughout the world, the majority of children with disabilities either do not receive any form of education or, if they receive any, it is often inappropriate. UNESCO estimates that more than 90% of children with disabilities in developing countries do not attend schools. Very recently, Rwanda has started the inclusive education in a number of schools around the country for ensuring that children with disabilities have access to education. Despite this, in Rwanda, many children with disabilities do not attend school and their number is not known. This study aimed to identify the barriers to school attendance by children with disabilities in Rwanda. It indicates that the parents of children with disabilities in Rwanda are very poor especially in the rural area. Many roads are not well maintained, public transport are not conducive for children with disabilities, and the school environment also is not accessible for a number of children with mobility difficulties. The removal of all barriers which can hinder the education process of children with disabilities should be promoted for the successful Education for All goals in Rwanda.

Autorentext

Jean Baptiste Sagahutu works as a Lecturer in Physiotherapy Department at University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Sciences. He studied Bachelors and Masters in Physiotherapy at University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa. His areas of interest include Interprofessional Practice, Disability and Rehabilitation.